Magic home win lifts Scotland up to world No 5, edge Springboks out to No 6

Scotland captain John Barclay lifts the Calcutta Cup after beating England in the Six Nations. Photo: Robert Perry/EPA

LONDON – Scotland’s first win over England in 10 years has seen them climb up to fifth in the World Rugby Rankings, taking them above both Wales and South Africa.

The 25-13 victory continued their impressive form at Murrayfield – they have now won six on the bounce at home in the Six Nations – and was worth a fraction under one and a half points, enough to take them above both Wales and South Africa.

The Scots now have 84.43 points and are just over a point away from catching Australia and claiming a place in the top four for the first time since the rankings were introduced in October 2003.

With England losing 1.47 points for their loss in Edinburgh and Ireland gaining just under four tenths for beating Wales 37-27 in Dublin, the gap between the teams ranked second and third is now down to 2.27 points, while New Zealand’s advantage over England at the top has grown to 4.61 points.

Wales played a full part in the 59-point thriller at the Aviva Stadium but their second defeat of the Championship, following the 12-6 loss to England a fortnight ago, cost them 0.36 of a point.